December 2014

It's been a busy couple of weeks at the Cook house. For one of our family home evenings before Christmas we made Gingerbread Men. It was so fun and they turned out great. They even tasted great too.

 

 

 

 

Me and Travis rolled out the dough while Natalie and Macie ran wild and Ben took pictures.

 

 

 

  After our busy night of Gingerbread Man making Ben read the kids a bedtime story. Ben has been really busy this month between work and studying for finals it was a nice break and great family time for everyone. Travis even snuck in a couple rounds of Hide-and-seek.

 

  Macie Jo had an unfortunate incident a couple days later. She was on her belly pushing herself off the ground. She got over-turned by Natalie and her right arm got caught up behind her. Her poor little arm went limp and her face got pale. I was sure it was either broken or dislocated. She took the pain very well. We made a doctors appointment for three hours later. I just rocked her to sleep while we waited. I knew she was really hurting because she never ever lets me rock her to sleep. She likes to go on her own. When she woke up from her nap she started moving her arm again. The doctor still did x-rays to make sure everything was okay and lucky for us it was. She was sore for several days after, but she is a trooper.



 



 

 

  Last Saturday we celebrated our Christmas with Rulan and Kathy. Before Rulan and Kathy got to our house we had a mad dash putting up the Christmas tree so we could be ready for our little celebration. This year Travis was picked to put the star on the tree, but he wanted to let Natty put it on because she hadn't done it before. He's such a sweet boy.

 

 

  I could kick myself. I kept the camera out and ready for when Rulan and Kathy came, but completely forgot to take any pictures. We had a great time with them though. Ben got a pressure washer, I got a lovely new temple dress, Travis got a Ben 10 Blaster, Natalie got a picnic basket, and Macie got an activity cube. We were able to eat dinner and spend some quality time together.

 

  On the 22nd we had a family party with my side of the family. I forgot my camera again, but Chelsie saved the day and got it for me. We had a visit from none other than Santa Claus himself. The kids were excited beyond belief.

 

 

 

  It was so exciting for Santa to visit. The kids felt super special for the visit because Christmas was just days away, but he still took the time to come and visit. All the adults had to get in on the Santa action too.

 

 



  Unfortunately Kurtis was extremely constipated that night and had to make a long visit to the bathroom. By the time he got out Santa had left. We still had a great time. there was lots of presents to go around for everyone.

 

  After the party was over all the boys went out to play. They went to see the latest Hobbit movie and from what they tell us everyone stayed awake.

 

 

    Rulan and Kathy spent Christmas in Seattle so we stayed at their house with Josh and Aubrey and two of Aubrey's sisters. It was so much fun. Everyone made the nice list this year. I was personally worried about Josh, but he made it. It was a really exciting and special time for both our families because it was Macie and Sammy's first Christmas.





Relief Society Women's Retreat

A couple of months ago in Sacrament Meeting Ben and I heard that our ward was doing an overnight women's retreat. Ben of course poked me and said, "You're going." To which I laughed and said, "I don't think so." Ben told me he would really like me to go and I basically said not in his dreams and even if I wanted to it was very unlikely that we would both have the evening off so the kids would be watched. It was nothing personal, I just haven't been to a Relief Society activity in a very long time and we are antisocial. I've been here and there for short periods--very short periods, but from beginning to end it's probably been well over five years, if ever. As the weeks went on Ben kept bringing it up and wouldn't let it go so I told him I would go if I got it off. The new schedule came out and I was scheduled to work. So relieved I was. We actually were overstaffed by one and whenever that happens someone usually ends up with the "12 hour flu". I was set. Then a week before they changed the schedule on me and I suddenly had it off. I said I would go so I planned on it. I even volunteered to be a driver that way I felt more obligated to go. Then the day came. The weather was horrible. They ended up cancelling the overnight and moving dinner and a fireside to the church house. As the day went on I lost motivation. I told Ben I was no longer going. He was upset because he planned a fun pizza party with the kids while I would be gone and I was not apart of the party. I did what any woman would do. I was not going, I just had to make it his idea. I said, "Ben, look at how much it snowed. I bet they got a ton in Rigby. I bet that hill in your parents backyard is packed. Wouldn't it be fun to go sledding." I could see the wheels in his head turning. He said, "Maybe we could go tonight, but you'll miss your fireside and I wanted you to go." I said, "How about you call your dad and see if there is enough snow to sled. If there is we will go, if not we will stay and I will go to the fireside." He agreed. I knew I had won this battle up until Ben called Rulan and we found out that the power company was doing an upgrade and the power would be out until midnight. RATS!! (Not exact word that I was thinking, but close enough.) I had to go through with my promise. For some reason or another I was destined to go to this fireside. So I said, "Fine, but I'm getting a violent movie to watch after so I can be well rounded." I made good on my promise and went. I have to say, it was a really really good fireside. I really enjoyed it and was glad I went. Now, for the record that does not mean I will continue to go to these things. I am sure I will continue my resistance so nobody push it! I did attempt to watch my violent movie after, but I fell asleep 10 minutes into it. It was to be expected.

Before I left to the fireside Ben started his pizza party with the kids. I was able to snap a couple pictures.

 

 

Sleepover

Last night we had a cousin sleepover. Ashley asked me to watch her kids overnight. They get along so well, they are like brothers and sisters. Even Natty and Ethan, who used to be arch nemesis, are learning to get along really well.
At bedtime I let Haiden and Travis sleep in the guest room and I put Ethan and Natalie upstairs in Ben and my bed. Macie was in her crib so I slept in Trav's room so I could be in the middle of the two rooms during the night and hear if anyone got up. Charlie was in the room with me. About 3:00 in the morning Natty got up in the night. As she was walking passed Trav's room Charlie heard her footsteps and it scared him so he barked. It scared the holy bajeebers out of her. She took off screaming and running in the dark and face planted it in the hallway and started crying. Then Ethan woke up and started crying. It all sounds kind of funny now that it's over, but at the time I was sure ticked!

We're Back!

It's been over 2 years since our last post on BlogSpot. We've mainly been posting on Facebook, but Cali inspired me to start back up again here. Not going to make any promises, but I will try and make a valiant effort in updating weekly to stay in better contact. I remember when we started this up it was really fun to get on each Sunday and look at the new posts and see what was going on in everyone's life. We slowly got sucked into Facebook, which is good, but I think this is a little better and more personal. Thanks for inspiring me Cali!

Natalie Sue Cook

August 3, 2012 Ben, Travis, and I welcomed Natalie Sue Cook into the world. Natalie was 6 lbs 11 oz. and 19 inches tall. She was born at 12:48 p.m. She is a quiet happy baby that sleeps like an angel! When we told my family that we were going to name her Natalie everyone instantly knew what a special person she is named after, but not many people outside of my family know. Natalie is named after a person very special in my life. She is named after Natalie Goodwin. Natalie Goodwin was my neighbor in Snake River when I was growing up. She was at the time my best friends mom. She died of cancer when I was in sixth grade almost sixteen years ago. She was the nicest lady and best person I have ever known.She was the kind of person that made the world a better place. My mom has always told me that she is pretty sure Natalie got a free pass to the Celestial Kingdom.